American Airlines Passenger Plane Collides with Military Helicopter in Mid-Air Over Potomac River

Summary

On Wednesday night, an American Airlines (AAL) passenger plane and a military helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington National Airport, leading to the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew on the plane and three soldiers on the helicopter.

Incident Details

* The American Airlines plane, operating as Flight 5342 for American Eagle, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter around 9 p.m. local time on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
* Both aircraft were destroyed upon impact, with the plane breaking into three parts and plunging into the Potomac River.
* According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred between a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and the helicopter.

Casualties and Aftermath

* There are no survivors among the 64 passengers and crew on the plane or the three soldiers on the helicopter.
* The rescue operation transitioned to a recovery operation on Thursday morning.
* The cause of the collision is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the NTSB leading the probe.

Official Statements

* American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed the airline's "heartbreak" over the incident.
* US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the collision "preventable."

Background

* The flight paths flown by both the military and American were not unusual, according to Duffy.
* The plane was carrying figure skaters, their coaches, and family members, as reported by multiple outlets.